Today I will tell you about Santa Lucia cuccìa, which is traditionally consumed on the day the Saint is celebrated, i.e., December 13th.
The term cuccìa derives from the Greek kokkìa, meaning grains.
Cuccìa is boiled wheat: cooked, drained, and seasoned.
Considering the soaking and cooking operations, you need to start working a few days in advance.
Alternatively, and for a quick preparation, you can use pre-cooked wheat for pastiera.
Tradition speaks of a great famine and a ship loaded with wheat sent by the Saint to provide for the people of Syracuse, and that the owner of the wheat-laden ships was cured of an eye disease as soon as he entered the port.
Source: The diamond in the dish by Anna Martano.
Still linked to the great famine, on December 13th it is tradition to not consume bread and pasta – Santa Lucia’s fast; the city of Palermo pays homage to the Saint by preparing and eating arancini* of rice.
It is said that eating cuccìa was a good omen, so it was and still is cooked in large quantities and distributed to relatives, friends, neighbors, and even animals.
I have noted the basic recipe or rather the procedure for preparing cuccìa.
As for seasoning, the variations are endless and range from sweet to savory.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 2 Days
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- soft wheat (or pre-cooked wheat for pastiera)
Preparation
Considering the soaking and cooking operations, you need to start working a few days in advance.
Alternatively, and for a quick preparation, you can use pre-cooked wheat for pastiera.
Clean thoroughly, rinse the wheat and soak it for 48 hours.
Some add a handful of chickpeas to symbolize Santa Lucia’s eyes.Change the water once a day, so 2 times in 48 hours.
After 48 hours, rinse the wheat thoroughly.
The evening of December 12th
Cook the wheat to enjoy it as per tradition on December 13th.If you like, and depending on how you plan to season the cuccìa, add to the cooking water:
– citrus peels [oranges and/or lemons];
– a few bay leaves.COOKING TIMES
in a traditional pot
cook the wheat over low heat until the grains become swollen and tender [approximately 2-3 hours] and turn off the heat just as they start to split.
in a pressure cooker
cook the wheat for one hour.Once cooked, leave the wheat in its cooking water overnight in a covered pot – with a lid or with a folded blanket – so that it completes cooking and cools slowly.
On December 13th, the day of Santa Lucia, it will be time to enjoy the cuccìa.
After draining it, you just have to season it.
The variations are endless, from sweet to savory.
Not all, however, are suitable for those who need to manage hyperglycemia.Sweet Santa Lucia Cuccìa
– cocoa;
– cinnamon;
– dark chocolate chips or flakes;
– traditional custard, chocolate custard, or flavored as desired;
– milk and sugar;
– condensed milk and sugar;
– honey;
– ricotta, sugar, and candied fruit;
– cooked wine;
– sugar.Savory Santa Lucia Cuccìa
– salt and oil;
– as a soup with legumes.In cases of hyperglycemia, I suggest the following variations:
– unsweetened cocoa;
– cinnamon;
– dark chocolate chips or flakes;
– light chocolate cream;
– milk;
– ricotta;
– yogurt;
– salt and oil;
– as a soup with legumes.
Storage, Tips, and Variations
You can bring it back to a boil to eat it hot or warm, or you can consume it cold.
Cuccìa keeps in the fridge for 2 days in an airtight container.
Once cold, my mother portions it out, keeping some in the freezer.
You can freeze it plain, without seasoning, for 2-3 months.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which wheat for cuccìa?
For the preparation of cuccìa, soft wheat is used.
Where to buy wheat for cuccìa?
You can buy wheat for cuccìa at mills or local specialty shops.
Alternatively, and for a quick preparation, you can use pre-cooked wheat for pastiera.Can I prepare cuccìa without soaking?
Yes, by using pre-cooked wheat for pastiera; the result changes slightly but is still excellent.
Is cuccìa suitable for those with hyperglycemia?
Yes, if properly included in the meal as a source of carbohydrates.
You can use boiled wheat instead of pasta or rice or enjoy a small taste in the sweet but not too sweet version at the end of a meal.
For quantities, refer to your dietary plan.
